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Sam Siatta is a Marine Corps veteran of Afghanistan described by a former Company Commander as the fighter Taliban troops most feared in his unit. He returns back to the U.S and enrolls in university via the GI Bill. As the damage done to him in Afghanistan presents, Sam finds himself struggling with his mental health and spiralling into legal and financial limbo. This piece tells the story of how Sam came home, and nearly lost everything. It also won C.J.Chivers a Pulitzer Prize.

In the immediate aftermath of a cyber attack on NHS computer systems in the U.K, the hacks of Macron’s campaign in France and Clinton’s in America it is clear that cyber infiltration stories are here to stay. This piece explores just how a network of hackers were able to spy on the Bundestag’s computer system and what effects it may have on the upcoming German election.

While many across Europe nurse sore heads after Eurovision 2017, Emmanuel Macron takes office as President of France. In a little over one-year Macron has founded a political party, En Marche! (Now La République En March) and defied expectation to become the youngest head of state since Napoleon Bonaparte – in his first ever run for office no less. Director Yann L’Heroret spent nearly eight months chronicling the campaign, including Bayrou’s endorsement, Penelopegate and the visit to the Whirlpool factory. The result is a behind the scenes look at the man tasked with rejuvinating France.

Following the campaign of outsider and one-term Illinois Senator Barack Obama as he seeks the office of President. The documentary charts the Democratic primary campaign, in which Obama faces off against political heavyweights Hilary Clinton and John Edwards, before dispatching Republican candidates John McCain. Offering insight into a groundbreaking campaign and the perculiarities of U.S primaries, By the People is a must watch for anyone interested in the stresses and strains of political campaigns.

Perhaps the great campaign documentary of past decades, The War Room covers the 1992 election battle between Bill Clinton and incumbent George H.W.Bush. Footage includes Clinton’s campaign director James Carville’s withering put down of H.W that ‘he stinks of yesterday’.

Tweet of the Week

Words I thought I'd never say: the security of the United States might now depend on electing a Democratic Congress in 2018.

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Published by James Heyburn

M.A International Security graduate with an interest in foreign affairs, in particular the MENA region, defence and security.
This blog will serve as a (hopefully) regularly updated collection of my views and analysis on various issues from British domestic politics to conflicts ranging around the world.
Get in touch @jamesheyburn1
View all posts by James Heyburn